Staying Healthy During Tournament Time
Janet Foster has been a Registered Dietitian for 23 years. She is a graduate from the University of Nevada Reno with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Married to William Foster, they are proud parents of Abby Foster and Nick Foster.
Staying healthy during the most important time of the year
Tis the season for big tournaments; however, this is also the time of the year for nasty viruses and infections. Overtraining, crowded gyms and lack of sunshine bring increased risks for infections, including those of the skin. Good nutrition can be a valuable part of the plan in staying healthy and competing at your best.
Our immune system runs off good nutrition. Anitoxidant such as Vitamin C can be helpful in warding off these annoying infections that can preventing a wrestler from competing at their best or even from competing at all. To increase the Vitamin C in your diet choose foods such as citrus, tomato products, brussel sprouts, peppers, and strawberries. Other antioxidant fighters include Vitamin E and selenium. These include sources such as nuts, avocados, brown rice and fish.
The mineral Zinc has also shown powerful properties in preventing infections. Lean meat is best choice for meeting your nutritional needs for Zinc. One meat serving can contain almost 50% of Zinc needs for males and over 50% for females. Other sources include legumes, beans and nuts.
Don’t forget adequate rest is the part of program. Our defense for warding off infections can be impacted by lack of good relaxation and sleep. This is a stressful and busy time of the year. Focusing on good nutrition and taking care of yourself is essential in keeping your body, including skin, healthy to compete at your best.
Successful Wrestling is not only effective training, but it’s taking good care of yourself. With a well-balanced diet, good rest, and lots of fresh air, you have to perfect recipe for a successful Wrestling Season. Best wishes to you all for a healthy and winning season!
–Janet Foster, RD, LD